Free Rise From Darkness by Ciara Knight Page B

come.”
    “Not tonight.” Gaby stepped away from him attempting to pass without incident. The hair on her arms stood at attention.
    “I won’t take no for an answer.” His voice came smooth and forceful.
    Nervous energy pulsed through her body. She felt compelled to accept. She shook her head trying to rid herself of the sensation.
    “At least let me walk you home. You know some people are frightened by these woods. They say they’re possessed with all sorts of demonic creatures.”
    “I don’t need an escort. I’m not scared of some fictitious creatures that go bump in the night. It’d take a lot more than that to frighten me.” She shoved her hands in her short pockets hiding how they trembled.
    Forras blocked her path home.
    “Move out of my way. I have to—”
    “Let me guess. Take your dog for a walk? Make-out with Alexander?”
    “Get out of my way. I don’t have time for this.”
    “Or save your father?” A smug look crossed his face.
    “How did you … You couldn’t have—”
    “I do apologize, Gaby, but you left me no choice.” Forras grasped her arm and pulled her closer to him. “I’m quite gifted you know.”
    “Shut up.” Every muscle in her body tensed at the thought of him touching her. The sound of his voice made her want to claw his eyes out.
    She slapped him across the face and tried to free her other arm. Her actions only made him clasp down harder. Painful darkness plunged into her arm, raced through her body as it grew exponentially, shadowing every ounce of her being. She clutched her chest to take a breath. Deep sadness consumed her as she choked back tears.
    “Gifted at technology. Where did your filthy mind go?” He laughed. A distinctive laugh. One she’d heard before.
    “Stop, p-please stop.” Her legs collapsed.
    The sound of his voice circled around and around until it penetrated her soul. “My father. I have to get to my—”
    Forras chuckled with a demented tone. It echoed around her.
    “I. Know. That. Laugh” She gasped.
    “Yes. You know who I am. Think, Gaby.” He snarled. A guttural deep voice came. “You have my mark.” Forras pulled her shirt up revealing the zigzag pattern on her abdomen. His callused hand brushed against her exposed skin.
    She quivered. Her flesh started to crawl and burn. She kicked and punched trying to free her arm. “Let me go.”
    “I could make you forget about all your grief. Join me and you’ll never feel the pain of loss again. You could be powerful, strong, and full. You’ll never be lonely again.”
    Darkness twisted and turned in the pit of her stomach. Her insides collided as if her body would implode at any moment. Pain, grief, and sorrow all consumed her at once. “M-make it s-stop. Please.”
    “Join me and I’ll make it go away forever.”
    “Alex.” Gaby whispered.
    “What? You still think he’s going to save you?”
    His hot breath beat against her face. She gagged at the putrid smell.
    “Where’s your little savior now?”
    “I’m right here, Forras .” Alexander’s voice broke through the pain. For a moment Gaby could breathe again. She looked up but the sun blinded her. How did the sun shine through the trees so brightly?
    “Come to watch?” Forras forced his lips against hers. No. It wouldn’t be like this. She clamped her lips shut as hard as she could. Screaming from deep down she scratched and clawed at his face.
    A blue light exploded all around and Forras ’ lips were gone. She wretched and spit at the ground. Panting she looked up through watering eyes to see a figure. Blinking, she strained to find Alexander but the light was too intense.
    “I told you never to touch her.” Alexander’s voice echoed in a whirl of fury.
    “Alex?” Gaby clutched the side of the tree and pulled herself up. Her legs wobbled under her. With her hands, she shielded her eyes from the light. She tried to move forward, to find Alexander, but collapsed under the weight of the darkness covering her